@Max ************

they used to be, until two months ago when a Bangkok Bank branch in Pattaya was tied to a bunch of mule accounts opened by Chinese involved in the scam centers in Myanmar, and used to transfer the money out of Thailand. Three executives at that branch, including the manager there, were arrested, with a number of Chinese there. Since then all banks have put a restriction on opening any bank account for a tourist visa. Because of the incident in Pattaya Bangkok Bank is very careful on new accounts now. When the crackdown on mule/proxy accounts used in scams all over the country started in April 180,000+ accounts have been shut down, frozen.

Bangkok Bank is still very good. It's simply much harder to open an account there now. I have accounts at both Bangkok Bank, and Kasikorn Bank.

How long was your money in your personal bank account? That's a big reason lots of people get rejected.

That is unique to cm, as in Bangkok for the type O visa based on Thai wife it doesn't matter where the money came from. That only applies to the visa based on retirement, not Thai wife.

@Innes *****

or you can just cross the border at savanaket, apply for her dependent visa. It doesn't take very long at all. Figure which is more cost effective.

You are trying to make your wife's initial entry into Thailand too difficult. Get a multi entry tourist visa for your wife, an METV. This visa is multi entry for 6 months, getting a 60 day stamp on each entry, that can be extended for 30 more days. Exiting the country, and returning for another 60 day stamp that can be extended for 30 more days. This puts you at six months with just one exit and return. If that is not enough, then about a week before it expires leave, and come back for another 60 day stamp that can be extended for 30 more days, taking you to almost 9 full months, which should easily be enough time. This is the smartest option with the intention of her being on a dependent long term entry in the end.

Stick deodorant is easy to find, it's just that it is written in Thai, and not English, so you have no idea what brand it is.

Now after you get your one year extension go back and get a Bangkok Bank account too. You'll find it is real convenient with how fast Thailand is embracing e-commerce, and scan to pay, that having different bank accounts at different banks makes it easier to track your spending, and expenses. Just something to think about later.

@Nikki ******

just remember, with the DTV you can not work inside Thailand. You can only work remotely.

@Nikki ******

working inside Thailand, helping other Thai business owners, means you must have a legal business in Thailand to do that, with a legal work permit. There is no "fast" way to do this.